The badass Power Ranger, Ford unleashes race truck- Raptor

KUALA LUMPUR: The Ford Ranger already has a name in serving global markets for several years now. Mainly used as a daily driver truck and off-road racer, Ford’s midsize trucks already have a dedicated market for them.

Ford is now taking a leap in the motorsports segment with a familiar-looking Ranger that’s actually completely revamped under the skin. Named as the Ranger Raptor, the race truck will compete in the South African Cross-country Series, running in the top FIA class for the series. The Ranger Raptor is purposely built to take on rough terrains.

Previously, Ford has intensely campaigned Rangers in the South African series, deflecting a fleet of trucks with 5.0-liter V8 power and solid-axle rear suspension. However, in order to be more aggressive to participate in the series, Ford built a dedicated Ranger race truck which is powered by the same engine as the F-150 Raptor.

No matter how much similar powertrains this race Raptor shares with Ford Ranger, underneath it is a completely different animal.
By comparison, this new race-spec Ranger uses a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 taken from the F-150 Raptor, and is bundled in an updated chassis that moves the engine further back for a mid-mount configuration. The solid axle at the back is replaced with a fully-independent setup at all four corners that delivers 11 inches of travel. Naturally, power goes full-time to all four wheels, and for curtailing that power there are six-piston Brembo calipers in front, and water-cooled calipers at the rear will ensure grip on rough terrain.

Ford did not reveal any performance specs regarding the engine in the Racer Raptor. We safely assume it is heavily overhauled for competition use. Styling-wise, the exterior has been extensively modified from standard. From the single photo received from sources, it appears to be based on the single-cab Ranger. Upfront there's a large skid plate to protect the engine and under chassis from debris. The fenders have been vented to improve aero and widened to fit the larger wheels and tires. Nonetheless, it looks absolutely ready for the racing action.

Ford will eventually roll out three of these racing Rangers by mid-2020, with race teams starting in the current V8-powered trucks and transitioning to the new models when available. Ford expects the year 2020 to be more thrilling with all the ground development that has been taking place.

The new F-150 Raptor powered cross country Rangers will start competing in the SA Cross Country Series later this year, it will surely be a sight for Ranger fans.

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